Whirling week of sherry and flamenco

By Fiona Flores Watson
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 18/04/2007

One of the commonest clichés associated with Spain is the spotty, flouncy, whirling flamenco dress, while one of the most typical tipples, if unfashionable for some English tastes, is sherry.

In April, three weeks after Semana Santa (Holy Week), the two combine to make Seville's biggest party of the year: the Feria de Abril.

Originally started in the 19th century as a gypsy horse and cattle market, this event has evolved into the social highlight of the year - many celebrities past and present, including Orson Welles, Rita Hayworth and Grace Kelly, have donned their flamenco outfits and stuck a flower behind their ear to join in the fun.

Deals are struck, love matches made - I know several married couples who first met at the Seville Feria - and friendships cemented. And a good time is had by all. Everyone who is anyone is here, including a considerable influx of Madrilenos, to the undisguised disgust of the more insular and snobbish Sevillanos.

(leer +) [vía telegraph.co.uk]

tags: flamenco, baile, cante, Feria de Abril de Sevilla, Sevillanas